‘Pailaw’ may be used at home

week before the New Year revelry, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded the public that powerful firecrackers are banned but pyrotechnics, or pailaw, may be used outside the residence and at designated areas for community fireworks display.

DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy also reminded local government units to issue permits for the conduct of

community fireworks display.

The permit must specify the place, date and time of the display in conformity with national standards, rules and regulations.

Cuy said prohibited firecrackers include piccolo, super lolo, whistle bomb, goodbye earth, atomic big triangulo, judas belt and watusi.

All firecrackers with gunpowder exceeding 2 grams, or 1.3 teaspoons, are also prohibited.

Under Republic Act 7183, baby rocket, bawang, small triangle, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo and sky rocket (kwitis) are the only types of firecrackers that can be manufactured, sold and used.

Sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device and butterfly are also allowed.

Cuy has directed all governors, city and municipal mayors, the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection to also remind the public of President Duterte’s Executive Order 28 banning powerful firecrackers and to ensure compliance.

Last week, Cuy urged law enforcers to regularly conduct inspections and to confiscate and destroy prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in accordance with EO 28 and RA 7183.

“Let us be responsible and take care of ourselves as we celebrate Christmas and New Year,” Cuy said.